Question 1

What is a customs broker and do I need one to import to Israel?

Accepted Answer

A customs broker is a licensed agent authorized to file customs declarations on behalf of an importer. In Israel, every commercial import requires a customs declaration, and in practice this must be filed by a licensed broker — only a small minority of importers self-file. The broker calculates duty, VAT and purchase tax, classifies goods under the correct HS code, and coordinates with regulators (Standards Institute, Health Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, Communications Ministry) when permits are required.

Question 2

How much does customs clearance in Israel cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Customs brokerage fees in Israel typically range from $80 to $300 per shipment depending on complexity (number of HS codes, regulatory permits required, duty calculation difficulty). On top of brokerage, you pay government charges: VAT at 18%, customs duty (commodity-dependent — often 0%, 6%, 12% under FTA agreements), purchase tax (specific commodities like vehicles, electronics, alcohol), and Standards Institute lab fees if applicable.

Question 3

What is HS classification and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

HS (Harmonized System) is a 6-digit international tariff code; Israel extends it to 8 digits. The classification determines duty rate, purchase tax, regulatory permits required, and free-trade-agreement eligibility. Wrong classification is the single largest source of customs disputes — it can cost you 6%-12% in extra duty if too high, or trigger a revaluation audit and back-duty if too low. We invest time upfront to get classification right.

Question 4

When do I need Standards Institute (SII) approval, and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Israeli Standards Institute (תקן ישראלי) approval is required for many product categories — electronics with mains power, baby products, textiles, helmets, food contact materials, cosmetics, and more. Lead time depends on standard: simple electronics under SI-32 can clear in 5–10 days, food contact in 14–21 days, complex compliance with multiple standards can take 30–60 days. We submit samples on your behalf and manage timelines.

Question 5

What is an ATA Carnet and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows duty-free temporary import of goods — primarily for exhibitions, trade shows, samples, professional equipment (TV crews, sports teams, consultants). The carnet is valid one year and the goods must leave the country in the same condition. We issue and process Carnets through the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce — typical lead time 2–3 business days.

Question 6

Can SIMBA-LOG handle the full customs file, or only the declaration?

Accepted Answer

Full file. We manage HS classification, duty calculation, declaration filing, port/airport coordination, regulatory permits (Standards, Health, Agriculture, Communications), payment of duty/VAT to Customs Authority, release authorization, and inland delivery instruction — under one roof, with one point of contact, one invoice. This is what 'One Stop Shop' means in practice.

עמילות מכס בישראל — כל המשרדים, גג אחד

למה במכס יבואנים מאבדים כסף

סיווג HS נכון

לוחות זמנים לאישורים

פטורי הסכמי סחר

מה כלול בעמילות המכס שלנו

הצהרות יבוא ויצוא

סיווג HS

מכון התקנים

אישורי משרדי ממשלה

ATA Carnet

פטורי מכס והסכמי סחר

איך זה עובד — 4 שלבים

בדיקה לפני הגעה

הגשת רשימון

בדיקות ואישורים

שחרור ומסירה

עמילות מכס — שאלות ותשובות

צריך שחרור מכס ליבוא או יצוא?